Breast cancer in females is a condition or disease in which breast cells divide, multiply and grow out of control, causing tumors. There are various types of breast cancer. These types depend on which breast cells turn into cancerous cells. It can start from any part of the breast and can spread to other organs through the bloodstream and lymph nodes.
Breast cancer is often associated with developing breast lumps. However, the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in females may vary depending upon the type of breast cancer. Sometimes patients may develop lumps, sometimes not. Therefore, it is significant to know other symptoms of the condition.
The most common forms of breast lumps form along the chest wall extending to the armpit. Patients may have nipple fluid discharge, including blood and feel pain. There may be swelling or redness in any breast area or in one or both breasts. The nipple may look flat and suppressed. Having these symptoms or relative signs doesn’t give a clear indication of developing breast cancer. Many other factors are also important to consider in the diagnosis.
When it comes to treatment options, early breast cancer diagnosis by symptoms plays a vital role. If patients experience any kind of symptoms like changes in the breast, including size, shape, pain, swelling or any other alteration, it is the right time to visit an experienced healthcare provider or breast specialist near you or Dr Shilpy Dolas.
Breast cancer causes
Breast cancer is caused due to damage to genetic material (DNA) or mutation. These can be linked to inherited genetic disorders, exposure to estrogen, and inherited cancer-causing genes. Generally, the immune system defends the body by attacking abnormal growths or DNA. However, this isn’t the case in breast cancer. Due to this, the cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, leading to tumor formation.
Breast cancer symptoms in Females are:
The first symptom of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast or armpit and increased thickening of breast tissue than usual. Some other symptoms of breast cancer in females and males are;
- Pain in the armpit or breast.
- Scaly breast skin along with rashes and redness.
- Rashes around the nipple (one or both).
- Nipple discharge along with blood.
- An inverted or sunken nipple.
- Change in breast size and shape.
- Flaking, pitting, or peeling of the breast or nipple skin.
Breast cancer problems
Most breast cancer lumps are benign or non-cancerous. This means that these lumps cannot spread throughout the body or develop cancer in other body organs. They are less dangerous and can be treated easily if diagnosed on time. However, malignant breast cancer lumps are cancerous and can infect other body parts. They are dangerous compared to benign lumps and can be fatal.
Breast cancer risks
Risk factors are conditions or characteristics that increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Some common risk factors include;
- A family history of breast cancer.
- Age and sex.
- Genetic changes
- Bodyweight
- Estrogen exposure
- Alcohol and tobacco consumption
- Radiation exposure
- Hormonal imbalance
Why Consult With Dr. Shilpy Dolas?
When it comes to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Shilpy Dolas is one of the finest surgeons to consider. She is a well-trained, qualified, reputed breast cancer specialist in India. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut in 2005 and post-graduate certification from D.Y.Patil Medical College, Pune in 2007. She has completed various national and international fellowships, including an international fellowship in breast cancer, reconstruction, and aesthetic breast surgeries from Marine hospital Dusseldorf, Germany, and a fellowship in breast diseases and cancer from Mazumdar Shaw cancer center. She also completed a UICC(surgical oncology) fellowship from Tata Memorial Hospital and a pain and palliative care fellowship from India.
Dr. Dolas also a master in performing breast reconstruction and oncoplastic surgeries. She has also taken training in plastic surgery and oncoplastic breast surgery. She provides non-invasive treatment options to cure breast cancer, depending upon the patient and cancer type. She offers the best quality treatment at an affordable price to her patients. She can be reached at the Heart and breast care clinic, Pune. As a breast cancer specialist, she performs different types of breast cancer surgeries such as breast oncoplastic, breast conservation surgery, mastectomy, lumpectomy, axillary clearance, axillary sampling, sentinel lymph node biopsy, etc.
Clinic Centres
Heart and breast care clinic, plot no. 78/A next to Pune polymer house, near magar stadium, Pimpri Colony, Pune.
FAQs
Q.1 What does early-stage breast cancer symptoms look like?
Ans. In the early stage, people may feel the thickening of breast cells around the chest wall, near the armpit. Lumps may develop in the breast region. The general warning signs include redness or pitting of breast skin, nipple discharge, pain, etc. Patients experiencing such symptoms must visit a doctor at the earliest.
Q.2 How fast does malignant breast cancer spreads?
Ans. Malignant breast cancer cells divide up to 30 times a day before they are diagnosed during a physical exam. Each division takes 1 to 2 months, which means that a detectable tumour can develop in 2 to 5 years.